Anyone else hates going to the doctor?
I've had trouble with doctor's visits since childhood because of my sensory sensitivity. There are so many strange sights, smells, sounds, and ways of being touched.
I'm able to cope with doctor visits today (I'm 39) but medical people sometimes seem to think I'm weird. I guess because outwardly I'm healthy, physically fit, and well adjusted, people have trouble reconciling it with my inner struggles. Before the doctor comes in the room, my coping skills are already getting a workout from the harsh fluorescent lights, strange smells, scary looking equipment, and unknown sounds coming from the next room.
I have learned to handle injections and blood draws fairly well if I know what is coming. I avoid looking at the needle, lie down, and distract myself with something else while I'm getting stuck. I have problems if it's something unknown or I can't do these things. Recently, I had to have a TB test that involved an injection under the skin of the inside of my arm while I sat in a chair. I've never been stuck there and had no idea what it would be like. When she stuck me, I shouted out in pain, then had to lie down. It was embarrassing but she was okay about it.
Another thing that happened recently was getting a throat culture, and I gagged and coughed all over the doctor. I couldn't help it. I apologized but he still gave me a hard time.
Another sensation I don't like is the sound and feel of table paper and, worse, paper gowns. Really, if I am having a complete physical, I would prefer to change into my athletic shorts and bring a towel to drape over the table, so I'm just touching cloth. I haven't had the courage to suggest this at an actual visit, because when I have said it to friends, they have looked at me like I'm on the wrong planet.
Looking forward to hearing about more coping strategies.
Boy-howdy, that is true! I actually had my primary-care physician tell me last year that I "look great!" despite me having just explained to him about my spinal degenerative problems. He might have meant it as flattery (and that's how I took it), but, a part of me wondered if he (as had so many of my physicians and U.S. Social Security staffers) considered me malingering.
Since I can mask convincingly for two hours or less, I can cope well enough with my physicians. Unfortunately it is exhausting and tedious. If you can mask for some time, that might help you at your physician's office. Also, I prepare by mentally pretending each segment (and my responses) of the visit in advance.
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Diagnosed in 2015 with ASD Level 1 by the University of Utah Health Care Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic using the ADOS-2 Module 4 assessment instrument [11/30] -- Screened in 2014 with ASD by using the University of Cambridge Autism Research Centre AQ (Adult) [43/50]; EQ-60 for adults [11/80]; FQ [43/135]; SQ (Adult) [130/150] self-reported screening inventories -- Assessed since 1978 with an estimated IQ [≈145] by several clinicians -- Contact on WrongPlanet.net by private message (PM)
i mostly dislike it because being around others makes me panic and i have a fear of not being able to communicate my problems well.
speaking of which ive had an ongoing infection that has been worsening over around 3+ years.. it has utterly destroyed me.
the doctors didnt really help much at all, and now im probably sterilized from the damage and will certainly be if i have to go through the surgery.
I don't even know if the surgery would help because it has spread so much.
nick007
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Joined: 4 May 2010
Gender: Male
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Location: was Louisiana but now Vermont in capitalistic military dictatorship called USA
I find the light at the dentist bright too so I just keep my eyes closed. I hate having that thing I bite on to get the xRays. I'm indifferent to having that suit thing put on me. I slightly bothered by having my blood-pressure checked. I don't have any real problems with going to the doctors cuz I went alot as a child due to sinus infections, my horrible skin eczema, & my rare low vision disorder. I hate having those drops put in my eyes. I also hate getting my blood drawn because I have small rolling veins. I don't like getting shots either but I tolerate them. I used to fight these things when I was a kid but I just put up with em nowadays.
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For me the anesthetic eye drops are absolutely the worst. I've only had that exam once, and I passed out almost instantly when the drops hit my eyes. This is the one type of medical care that I just can't face right now.
I've also had lots of trouble with dental visits. Basically anything that involves numbness can make the alarm bells ring in my nervous system. But I have managed to soldier through when I've needed something done.
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